If you haven’t read it yet, here’s my story on the incredible scientific dynasty fathered by Bob Paine. From throwing starfish off a beach to a global ocean-studying empire, this is a tale of mentorship and scientific legacies.

The 2013 Edge Question is back online. What should we be worried about? 150 intellectuals answer it, and none of them say “Mutant radioactive bees.” O, you complacent, underprepared intellectuals. (2014’s question will be “Whom do you serve?” and all answers will be “You, my bee masters.”

Carl Zimmer on why, despite the panic, influenza isn’t even that competent a virus

My ex-employers Cancer Research UK stick up a Facebook post that is astonishingly arrogant in the face of the complexity of biology. They apologise, but then double-down on the absurd statement. There’s a superb comment from Jim Woodgett on the unqualified hyperbole.

Could you please repair the link of HA! “Scientists conclude: ‘No further research is needed’”? I get your homepage [with the remark that it doesn’t know what I’m searching for] instead of the article. Thank you in advance!

Who We Are

Phenomena is a gathering of spirited science writers who take delight in the new, the strange, the beautiful and awe-inspiring details of our world. Phenomena is hosted by National Geographic magazine, which invites you to join the conversation. Follow on Twitter at @natgeoscience.

Ed Yong is an award-winning British science writer. Not Exactly Rocket Science is his hub for talking about the awe-inspiring, beautiful and quirky world of science to as many people as possible.
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